4100 m a.s.l.
Refugio Contrahierbas
3 km Distance · one way
430 m Elevation gain
2h Duration · one way
Easy Difficulty
Recommended
May - Septemberbut check the exact dates
Ideal for
discovering a refuge and a little-visited area
Access
Shared minibus + taxi or private car.How to get there
From Huaraz
Take a vehicle towards Yanama.
4h
Approximately, climbing via Yungay, passing Portachuelo de Llanganuco and turning towards Yanama.
Yanama
Climb a little to the trailhead, part of Parque Nacional Huascarán.
4h
Approximately, to Huaraz.
Description
The refuge lies in high-mountain surroundings, with archaeological remains associated with the Quishuar culture and traces of a reconstructed ancient citadel. Access is on foot from Yanama, near laguna Shuito.
To get there, the drive passes through one of the Cordillera Blanca's most impressive areas. You can stop at Lagunas de Llanganuco and Portachuelo de Llanganuco along the way; we recommend reading the Llanganuco section to learn more about this route.
The refuge is in Callejón de Conchucos, on the other side of the Cordillera Blanca. This area is much quieter and less visited than Callejón de Huaylas, but no less impressive.
The climate is also different: Callejón de Huaylas may be dry and sunny while the other side of the range is cloudier or has some rain. This helps Conchucos remain green for longer, giving the area a wetter, quieter and more remote character. This difference is partly due to the Cordillera Blanca acting as a natural barrier to moisture arriving from the Amazonía.
Return along the same trail (3km | -415m | 1h).
About the refuge
Services
- 35 beds in a shared dormitory (bring your sleeping bag)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Toilets with hot showers
- Electricity
Rates
- Accommodation (bed only) 80 soles
- Basic (accommodation, breakfast) 120 soles
- Half board (accommodation, breakfast and dinner) 180 soles
The construction and management of Refugio Contrahierbas are undertaken by Operación Mato Grosso, a volunteer organisation that develops social and educational projects in Andean communities.
All refuge income goes towards supporting these initiatives.
Map
Map of Refugio Contrahierbas
GPS track to be added.
Trails can change. Do not use this space as a navigation guide.
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